Abstract: The invention provides a press-molding apparatus having, disposed on a conveying passageway: a heating chamber for heating a mold containing a raw material placed therein; a molding chamber for press-molding the raw material in a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere; and a cooling chamber for cooling the mold after the molding, the mold being conveyed on the conveying passageway in order, each of the heating chamber, the molding chamber, and the cooling chamber being blocked from the atmosphere upon the press-molding, the press-molding apparatus having: a means for blocking the molding chamber and the cooling chamber; and an inflow port for introducing the non-oxidizing gas into the press-molding apparatus, the inflow port being formed for at least one of the heating chamber and the molding chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molten glass stirrer having a spiral agitating blade with through openings on a blade surface, and to technique for rotating the molten glass stirrer that is soaked in molten glass. The through openings are preferably located in a radial direction with a shaft being a center, and preferably have an elongated rectangle or a boomerang shape. According to the present invention, molten glass flow is created three-dimensionally and spirally, and the molten glass flow is cut in a substantially vertical direction to the shaft, thereby homogenizing the molten glass and avoiding defects such as striae, and therefore, high quality glass products can be manufactured.

Abstract: Apparatus for opening and closing mold arms in a glassware forming machine includes a gearbox for mounting on a glassware machine frame, a cylinder housing suspended beneath the gearbox, and a cylinder disposed within the cylinder housing. The cylinder has a piston with an extending piston rod and a gear rack machined or otherwise formed in the piston rod. A first drive gear in the cylinder housing is coupled to the gear rack and a drive shaft extends from the first drive gear and the cylinder housing into the gearbox. A second drive gear is disposed in the gearbox and coupled to the drive shaft. Laterally spaced operating shafts extend upwardly from within the gearbox. Means including an idler gear couple the second drive gear to the operating shafts such that the operating shafts are rotated simultaneously in opposite directions by the cylinder, the gear rack, the first and second drive gears and the idler gear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for shaping a tubular object made of glass or glass ceramics or any other thermoplastic material, comprising the following method steps: the object is heated up to softening; an inner shaping tool and an outer shaping tool are provided for shaping the outside and inside jacket surface of the object, of which at least the inner shaping tool consists at least in the region of its shaping surface of open-pored material with a permeability of between 10?11 and 10?16 m2; a free-flowing pressurized medium is conducted through the open-pored material towards the surface of the object to be shaped; the inner shaping tool is introduced into the object; the outer shaping tool is applied on to the object in order to shape the same.

Abstract: A production method of an optical waveguide includes: preparing a laminated body that includes a first clad layer and, on the first clad layer, a core layer and a second clad layer alternately laminated in this order so that two or more of the core layer are included in the laminated body; forming a light-propagating waveguide core by cutting the laminated body so as to reach but not cut through the first clad layer from a side where the core layer and the second clad layer are laminated; and embedding at least a cut portion of the laminated body with a third clad layer.

Abstract: Optical devices, components and methods for mounting optical fibers and for side-coupling light to/from optical fibers using a modified silicon V-groove, or silicon V-groove array, wherein V-grooves, which are designed for precisely aligning/spacing optical fibers, are “recessed” below the surface of the silicon. Optical fibers can be recessed below the surface of the silicon substrate such that a precisely controlled portion of the cladding layer extending above the silicon surface can be removed (lapped). With the cladding layer removed, the separation between the fiber core(s) and optoelectronic device(s) can be reduced resulting in improved optical coupling when the optical fiber silicon array is connected to, e.g., a VCSEL array.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of heat treating quartz glass deposition tubes at between 900° C. and 1200° C. for at least 115 hours. The resulting deposition tubes are useful in forming optical preforms that can yield optical fibers having reduced added loss.

Abstract: A needle bed (1) of a knitting machine has a segmented configuration. The segments (5, 6) border against each other via the abutment surfaces (10, 8). Extending from at least one of the boundary surfaces (10, 8) are cooling channels that are provided, e.g., in the segment (6). The adjacent segment (5) covers these cooling channels, thereby closing said cooling channels.

Abstract: A laundry machine, more particularly a multi-laundry machine constructed by adding a new function to a conventional laundry machine, is disclosed. The multi-laundry machine includes a laundry machine and an auxiliary drying machine installed at one side of the laundry machine. The auxiliary drying machine includes a drawer, a module installed at one side of the drawer for generating air flow, and an air nozzle connected to the module for guiding the spray direction of the air.

Abstract: While a damper elastically supports, from below, the center of gravity of a water tub, a suspender also elastically supports it, from above, by suspending a front part of the water tub rearward-upward and a rear part thereof frontward-upward. Even when a rated capacity of laundry is put into a drum, although the damper simply elastically supports the center of gravity of the structural load from below, the water tub is prevented from sinking too far, and a door gasket is saved from being damaged from overdeformation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washing machine that includes a lifter capable of removing foreign matter from water while agitating laundry.

Abstract: A laundry table that is easily stowed in a low profile vertically aligned configuration on the side of a washer or dryer unit or in a gap between a side-by-side washer and dryer. The table support is pivotally connected to a narrow rigid arm assembly that fits inside the gap between a side-by-side washer and dryer unit. The arm assembly is perpendicularly aligned and connected to a low profile foot structure that is placed on the ground and in the floor space and under the washer or dryer unit. During assembly, the washer and dryer units are placed over the foot structure so that the arm assembly is supported in a position when the table support is moved between in a vertical stored position and unfolded to a horizontally position along the side of the washer and dryer units and used to sort and hold folded laundry. In a second embodiment, the table support is stowed inside a recessed horizontal cavity formed on the front surface of one or both units.

Abstract: A washing machine having a water softening device which improves the solubility of a detergent and a water softening performance concurrently. The washing machine includes a tub; a water supply device for supplying water to the tub; a detergent supply device for supplying a detergent to the tub; and a water softening device for softening the water. The water softening device is disposed such that the water supplied from the water supply device can be mixed with the detergent supplied from the detergent supply device and then the water mixed with the detergent can be supplied to the water softening device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washing machine that is capable of generating hot air and steam to be supplied into a rotary tub using a single heater. The washing machine includes a rotary tub to receive laundry, a heating duct defining a channel to supply hot air to the rotary tub, a heater mounted in the heating duct, and a steam generating part heated by the heater to generate steam to be supplied to the rotary tub. The steam generating part includes an object heated by contacting the heater. The object includes a tubular member having an outer surface contacting the heater and a hollow part for steam generation defined therein. The object may include a steam generating plate having one surface contacting the heater.

Abstract: A laundry machine is disclosed. The disclosed laundry machine includes a drum rotatably provided in a cabinet, a substance supply device provided in the cabinet and supplying moisture to the drum, a water supply device supplying water to the substance supply device, and a valve unit provided in the water supply device, to selectively allow water from the water supply device to be supplied to the substance supply device.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for assisting in the application and removal of handcuffs. The handcuffs including two cuffs joined by a central portion. The apparatus (20) comprises a base (22) adapted for stationary fixing, a switch (40) and a means (36) to selectively restrain the central portion of the handcuffs relative to the base within an opening (30) through which the cuffs cannot pass, in response to activation of the switch (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to a padlock consisting of a lock casing body and a lock shackle, the ends of said shackle being received in recesses in the lock casing body. A first shackle end comprises a return gap for blocking the movement of the shackle in the locked state, and a second shackle end comprises a groove for defining the movement of the shackle in the opened state. Furthermore, an inwardly extending recess oriented parallel to the shackle ends and used to receive an entire standard locking cylinder, especially a standard half locking cylinder, is provided in the bottom region of the lock casing body, opposing the lock shackle. According to the invention, a displaceable and/or pivotable actuating element is provided in the displacement path of the lock bit of the standard locking cylinder.

Abstract: A vehicle lock for substantially immobilizing the wheels of a vehicle includes an extensible bar with a pair of shafts affixed at either end thereof. Each shaft is configured to pass through an orifice on a wheel of a vehicle. A portion of the shaft extends through the associated orifice, and a locking mechanism is affixed to the exposed end of the shaft. In an embodiment the shaft is rigidly affixed to the extensible bar, and in other embodiments the shafts are connected to the bar by means a flexible connection that allows the user to change the orientation of the shafts relative to the bar.

Abstract: A codeable lock, operable by an authorized key, includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis, a lock cylinder positioned within the housing and selectively rotatable relative to the housing about the longitudinal axis, and a sidebar moveable between a locked position, in which at least a portion of the sidebar is engaged with the lock cylinder and the housing to prevent rotation of the lock cylinder relative to the housing, and an unlocked position, in which the sidebar is disengaged from at least one of the housing and the lock cylinder. The codeable lock also includes a codebar positioned within the lock cylinder. The codebar is moveable from an uncoded state to a coded state upon insertion of the authorized key into the lock cylinder and by securing the codebar to the sidebar. The codeable lock further includes a tumbler positioned within the lock cylinder and engaged with the codebar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of shot peening at least a portion of a rotary machine comprising a rotor. Shot peening is carried out with a rotor which is at least partly assembled. The method comprises: fixing a system for supporting at least one acoustic assembly to the machine; and shot peening at least one region of the machine using projectiles which are moved by the acoustic assembly.

Abstract: A hydroforming device includes a top die and a bottom die, set between which is a metal element to be formed and which are pressed against one another during a hydroforming process. A relative movement of the two dies between the open condition and the closed condition is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder. The opening of the two dies during the hydroforming process, when the forming cavity is filled with liquid at a high pressure, is prevented by applying on the two dies a force generated by means of two wedge-shaped members, which are horizontally mobile, controlled by respective actuator means and having inclined surfaces in contact with corresponding inclined surfaces of a vertically mobile member. The mobile member and the hydraulic cylinder are set operatively in series between one and the same die of the two dies and the base of the hydroforming cell.

Abstract: An apparatus to expand a diameter of a can or other article comprises a forming turret that includes a stop plate and a forming tooling. The stop plate is configured to be adjacent a dome-end of a can to restrict motion of the can; the stop plate is axially movable relative to a turret axis of rotation. The forming tooling includes a plate and an expansion tool axially movable relative to the turret axis of rotation. The plate includes an opening through which the tool passes. The expansion tool is configured to move into an open end of the can to expand the diameter of the can.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in the manufacture of a spring unit for incorporation into an upholstered article, for example, a mattress, cushion or the like. Coil formation apparatus includes a drive shaft used to control movement of a coil pitch guide member and a link member comprising a connecting rod connected to a radius arm of the drive shaft by means of an adjustable connection. A coil interlinking process comprises compressing a first coil to define a clearance extending a second coil passed the first coil via the clearance, allowing the first coil to extend across the clearance, and contracting the second coil such that the second coil engages the first coil thereby interlinking the first and second coils. Spring unit manufacturing apparatus comprises a plurality of jaw pairs each comprising a first fixed jaw and a pivotal second jaw, the pivotal second jaw being pivoted by a cam and linkage assembly that is operated by a rotary drive shaft.

Abstract: A bending apparatus consisting of a rocker rotating in a hybrid constructed saddle. The saddle is preferably made of a steel casing with a low friction liner disposed therein.

Abstract: A hydraulic crimping tool crimping die including a first section adapted to be removably connected to a die mounting area of a hydraulic crimping tool, and a second section forming a crimping surface adapted to crimp a connector onto a conductor. The crimping die comprises an electrically non-conductive material adapted to prevent electrical arcing with the crimping die.

Abstract: An electrical connector crimping tool head including a frame, a ram and a connector locator. The frame includes a first mounting area adapted to removably receive a first connector crimping die. The ram is movably connected to the frame. The ram includes a second mounting area adapted to removably receive a second connector crimping die. The connector locator is on the frame and is adapted to indicate proper positioning of an electrical connector relative to the frame for subsequent crimping by the first and second connector crimping dies.

Abstract: A hand-held hydraulic tool including a hydraulic drive system comprising a pump; and a user control system for at least partially controlling operation of the hydraulic tool. The user control system includes a first user control at a first location having a first pump activation control switch and a first hydraulic drive system drain control switch, and a second user control at a second location having a second pump activation control switch and a second hydraulic drive system drain control switch. The hydraulic tool is adapted to be controlled by a user at either of the first or the second locations.

Abstract: A continuous emissions monitoring system is in fluid communication with a flue stack conducting exhaust gas from a combustion source. The continuous emissions monitor system comprises an analyzer for measuring concentrations of an analyte present in the exhaust gas. A probe is in fluid communication with the flue stack to acquire a sample of exhaust gas from the flue stack. The probe is also in fluid communication with and located upstream of the analyzer. The probe tends to remove analyte from the sample. A calibration checking system is in fluid communication with the probe. The calibration checking system includes a source that provides a flow of a known concentration of calibration material to be measured by the analyzer. The calibration material is the same as the analyte. A humidifier is associated with the source to provide moisture to a flow of calibration material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a gas sensor comprising a flow channel, a concentration modulator positioned in the flow channel, a gas generator in contact with the flow channel, one or more gas detectors positioned downstream of the concentration modulator and gas generator and a pump.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter for giving a magnetic field to a measurement fluid, detecting an electric signal occurring in the measurement fluid according to the magnetic field, and computing a flow quantity value based on the electric signal includes a zero point measurement section for measuring a zero point of the measurement fluid; a storage section for storing the measured zero point measurement value; a determination section for determining whether or not the difference between the preceding zero point measurement value stored in the storage section and the present zero point measurement value is beyond a predetermined value range; and at least either a transmission section for transmitting the determination result or a display section for displaying the determination result when the determination section determines that the difference is beyond the predetermined value range.

Abstract: An impact test apparatus allows a retaining member to retain a test object. The retaining member is attached to an elastic member. When a weight is made to collide against the test object, impact is applied to the test object. The test object is subjected to free oscillation in response to the impact. The elasticity of the elastic member accepts the movement of the retaining member. Damping of the free oscillation of the test object is minimized. The impact test sufficiently reflects the influence of the free oscillation.

Abstract: The calibration of a backlash impulse device in a sport implement (20) is effected by firstly measuring the natural frequency of the striking surface (26) of the implement; determining from the measured natural frequency, a time of occurrence *T* and a duration of a period of elastic recovery *R’ of the striking surface (26) in a first vibration cycle *P* following an impact on the striking surface (26). The method also comprises the step of adjusting a distance of travel ‘D’ of the movable mass (32) inside the backlash impulse device during a strike of a ball with the sport implement (20), such that an impulse (62) is generated on the striking surface (26) by this movable mass (32) during the strike, at the same time as the occurrence of the period of elastic recovery ‘R’ of the striking surface, in the first vibration cycle ‘P’ following the strike.

Abstract: A soot sensor, comprising: a sensing element configured to provide a signal indicative of an amount of soot detected by the sensing element, the sensing element terminating at a tip portion; a shield disposed about the sensing element, the shield comprising an elongated body having a solid side wall terminating at a distal end portion, and a single opening disposed completely across the distal end portion, the single opening having a peripheral edge defined by the distal end portion of the side wall; and an inner area defined by the shield, the area being in fluid communication with the single opening and the tip portion being completely recessed within the area at a distance from the single opening and a peripheral edge of the tip portion being at least a predetermined distance from the solid side wall, the predetermined distance preventing soot from completely blocking the single opening.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to the use of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based emissions sensors in a turbine engine system to measure one or more emissions values associated with a gas flow in the system. The emissions value can be, for example, the temperature of a gas flow and/or the amount of a particular compound, such as carbon monoxide, in the gas flow. Due to their small size, a plurality of MEMS emissions sensors can readily be incorporated at various locations in a turbine engine system. For example, the MEMS emissions sensors can be operatively positioned in an exhaust stack, downstream of the last row of blades in the turbine section, or in the leading edge of a turbine vane. The MEMS sensors can be operatively connected to a data acquisition system, which can statistically analyze the emissions values measured by the MEMS sensors.

Abstract: In apparatus and method for detecting a combustible gas within an atmosphere to be detected, a calculated humidity deviation corresponding to a past gas concentration stored in a memory unit of a microcomputer is calculated on the basis of a correlation between a preset gas concentration of the combustible gas and the calculated humidity deviation, a calculated humidity of the atmosphere to be detected is corrected using the calculated humidity deviation to calculate a corrected humidity, and, when a concentration of the combustible gas is calculated on the basis of a terminal voltage, a temperature of the atmosphere to be detected, and a humidity of the atmosphere to be detected, the calculated corrected humidity is used for the humidity of the atmosphere to be detected calculated on the basis of terminal voltages across first and second heating resistors and the temperature of the detected temperature.

Abstract: A method and system may include receiving a sample gas from an ambient environment on a first surface of a selective isolation device within an inlet assembly, dispersing the sample gas in substantially a first direction along the first surface, and circulating a carrier gas through a main assembly coupled to the inlet assembly, the main assembly defining a carrier gas environment. The method and system also may include selectively passing analytes from the sample gas through the selective isolation device to a second surface of the selective isolation device, the selective isolation device separating the ambient environment from the carrier gas environment, dispersing the carrier gas in substantially a second direction along the second surface, and obtaining the analytes in the carrier gas from the second surface.

Abstract: A device for passing through a gas mixture comprises a capillary apparatus with one or more capillaries connecting a first side of the capillary apparatus to a second side of the capillary apparatus, wherein each capillary tapers from one side towards the other side of the capillary apparatus at least in sections.

Abstract: The present invention a portable universal electric radiator cap pressure tester, having a multiple of common radiator cap filler necks fixed on a dash board. The fixed filler necks simulate the filler neck openings on a vehicle's radiator or overflow reservoir. This allows the user the ability to quickly install a common radiator cap on the face of the tool and pressurize the radiator cap to its maximum recommended pressure. This gives the user the knowledge if a used radiator cap will hold its recommend pressure and provide a water tight seal during operation on a vehicle when the engine cooling system is under operating pressure.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a test fluid may be provided into a chamber associated with a cooling system for an electronic integrated circuit. Moreover, a valve may be partially inserted into an opening of the chamber to seal the chamber. The valve may include a first sealing portion to seal the chamber at the opening when the valve shaft is inserted the first distance. The valve may then be inserted an intermediate distance, between the first distance and a second distance, to unseal the chamber. Note that the valve may include a second sealing portion, offset from the first sealing portion, to seal the chamber at the opening when the valve is inserted the second distance. The valve may further define a passage, between the first and second sealing portions, to permit a flow of the test fluid when the valve is inserted the intermediate distance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Universal Pumping Platform (UPP) that comprises a platform containing an electric motor that drives a hydraulic pump for producing high pressure hydraulic fluid and one or more pumps powered by the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump. The pump is selected for the desired commissioning method to be carried out, such as filling, chemical treating, pigging, hydrostatic testing or dewatering the pipeline. The UPP is suspended from a vessel by an umbilical that provides the electric current for the electric motor supported by the UPP.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Geometric Universal Pumping Platform (GUPP) that comprises a platform containing an electric motor that drives a hydraulic pump for producing high pressure hydraulic fluid and one or more pumps powered by the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump. The pump is selected for the desired commissioning method to be carried out, such as flooding, chemical treating, pigging, hydrostatic testing or dewatering the pipeline. The GUPP is suspended from a vessel by an umbilical that provides the electric current for the electric motor supported by the GUPP.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device, the method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, applying a slurry to the semiconductor substrate, wherein the slurry was tested using a testing method includes taking a first undiluted sample from a top of the slurry; determining a first particle size distribution characteristic of the first undiluted sample; taking a second undiluted sample from a bottom of the slurry; determining a second particle size distribution characteristic of the second undiluted sample; and comparing a difference between the first particle size distribution characteristic and the second particle size distribution characteristics with a first predetermined value.

Abstract: A fuel property sensor is provided with three bypass passages and a measure passage. The measure passage is located inside of a closed loop which is comprised of common tangential lines of adjacent bypass passages and a part of profile line of each bypass passage in a cross section perpendicular to the measure passage. Even if the fuel property sensor is rotated around the axis of a fuel pipe in assembling the fuel property sensor to the fuel pipe, at least one of two bypass passages is always located above the measure passage in a vertical direction. Hence, bubbles included in the fuel are restricted from flowing into the measure passage. The fuel property sensor can detect the concentration of ethanol contained in the fuel with high accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and a method for the rapid detection of a low molecular substance in a liquid flow.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for monitoring particles in a fluid stream, comprising a body portion and a detector element that is acoustically decoupled from the body portion. The detector element comprises a target surface, a sample acoustic sensor and a corrosion sensor. The sample acoustic sensor is acoustically coupled to the target surface and is arranged to provide a first signal, which varies in dependence upon acoustic noise generated by impacts of particles and fluid on the target surface. The corrosion sensor is arranged to provide a second signal, which varies in dependence upon corrosion and/or erosion of the target surface. A corresponding method of monitoring particles in a fluid stream is also described. The method and apparatus are suitable for monitoring sand in oil and gas production flow streams.

Abstract: A rotatably supporting device for correcting balance of a rotating body includes a journal supporting part having a mandrel that rotatably supports the rotating body in a floating state about a vertical axis, a thrust supporting part that is provided at a lower end portion of the mandrel and supports a bottom part of the rotating body in the floating state, a first fluid supply passage that supplies a fluid for floating between the mandrel and a rotation support hole of the rotating body, an annular groove provided in the thrust supporting part so as to face the bottom part of the rotating body, and a second fluid supply passage that communicates with the annular groove to supply a fluid thereto for floating the rotating body.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for detecting mechanical features of materials, in particular metal materials, comprising an indenter (10) adapted to be pushed against a sample material (15) in which it penetrates for a depth (h) and responsive to the hardness of the materials same. The apparatus (1) provides means for generating a measured force (F) and a transmission gear (35) which changes the rotational motion of shaft (40) of motor (30) into a linear reversible movement. The force generated is then amplified in a hydraulic way and transmitted to the indenter (10). This solution allows to lighten and to reduce the size of the mechanisms for generating the force, reducing also wear and mechanical backlash, as well as costs and overall dimensions. An advantage is also to measure with precision the stroke of the indenter with corresponding control in precision of the penetration (h) of the indenter in the sample material.

Abstract: An improved method for detection of engine faults especially suited for use on ships. The method is in particular related to the detection of a fault in an internal combustion engine having within the housing a crankshaft connected to a piston. The method includes determination of a pressure difference between the housing and the area outside the housing. If comparison of the pressure difference with a fault indicating pressure difference limit shows that the pressure difference is greater than the fault indication pressure difference limit then the presence of the fault is indicated. According to the method is in the pressure difference determined by comparing the pressure existing in the housing with the pressure of the area outside the housing, while attenuating pressure changes of the area outside the housing, so that pressure changes having a duration equal to or less than a defined fault characteristic period of time are supposed.

Abstract: A test apparatus serves to test cam-driven fuel injection systems. The apparatus includes a camshaft which can act on a piston of the fuel injection system at least indirectly via a lever. It is proposed that the lever have a multiplicity of fastening positions for an actuating element which can act on the piston and that the fastening positions be disposed at different distances from a pivot axis of the lever.

Abstract: A system for detecting a characteristic of oil in a reservoir includes a sensor at least partially located in the reservoir. The sensor has a chamber for receiving oil from the reservoir, a detector member in the chamber, and an electromagnetic coil. Application of voltage across the electromagnetic coil moves the detector member and the presence and viscosity of oil in the chamber affects the rate of that movement. The electric current through the electromagnetic coil is measured and analyzed to determine an amount of time that the detector member took to move between two positions in the chamber. That amount of time is used to determine whether there is at least a predefined amount of oil in the reservoir and, if so, the viscosity of the oil.